Chelsea are preparing a formal offer to sign Atletico midfielder Pablo Barrios

Chelsea are preparing a formal bid to sign Atlético Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios Transfers.

Barrios came through Real Madrid’s academy before making the move to the capital to join Atlético Madrid in 2017. His development at Los Rojiblancos was rapid, earning him promotion to the first team in early 2023.

Last season he proved himself as a reliable selection player, making 41 appearances in all competitions. That role has been further expanded this season, with the midfielder featuring in 20 of Atlético’s 22 LaLiga games and all six Champions League matches.

Despite strong competition in central midfield, Barrios was initially deployed in multiple roles before settling into his natural position. The second pivotal role is shared by Captain Koke, Johnny Cardoso and Conor Gallagher, who has since moved to Tottenham Hotspur.

This season, Barrios has stood out for his ruthless energy, neat distribution, creativity and sharp interpretation of danger, qualities that have received high praise and growing interest from several clubs.

The latest club to join the race for Barrios, according to Chelsea Transferswho claims the Premier League club have expressed an interest in signing the 22-year-old.

‘Priority’ objective

Amid intense interest in the youngster, the Blues are looking to gain an edge over other rivals. The report adds that Liam Rosenior’s side are preparing to submit a formal £69 million bid to secure his signature.

The London giants see the Spanish midfielder as a perfect fit for their youth-driven recruitment model and have identified him as a ‘priority’ target for their midfield, with Rosenior pushing for his services, according to the report.

In a boost for the Blues, the Spanish club reports that Atlético is reluctant to let Barrios leave, especially with a contract at the Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano until 2030, but Chelsea’s bold offer could be considered.

Rosenior currently has Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo as midfield options, while Reece James is now deployed more in midfield, where he has performed admirably, rather than in his natural right-back position.

While the numbers suggest the club are well positioned in the middle of the park, ongoing injuries to Lavia and Essugo and Fernandez’s preference to play higher up mean the club could consider a reliable central midfielder, and Barrios would be a quality option if a deal is agreed.